Former Hardin County Commissioner Dead at 81
Written by WKTN Staff on January 3, 2023
A former Hardin County Commissioner has passed away.
Russ Ludwig, of Dunkirk, died peacefully this past Friday December 30.
In addition to serving as a County Commissioner, Ludwig was a member of the Hardin Northern Board of Education and Board of Elections.
He also served on the State Agricultural Board as well as many community executive boards in the county.
Visitation for the life-long farmer will be held from 10am until noon this Saturday January 7 at the Blanchard River Church of Christ on State Route 81 in Dunkirk.
A Memorial Service will follow at noon with full military rites being presented at the conclusion of the service.
Russ Ludwig was 81 years old.
Here is the complete obituary:
Russ Ludwig, 81 of Dunkirk, passed away peacefully on Friday, December 30, 2022 at the Bridge Hospice Care Center in Findlay. His battle with many medical issues showed his immense courage and spirit in the face of challenges with a smile.
Russ was born on September 17, 1941 in Williamstown, Ohio to the late Pauline (Moore) and Donald Ludwig. He graduated from Hardin-Northern High School with the class of 1959. On May 23, 1970, he married Judi Brown in Ada, Ohio and celebrated 52 years of marriage.
He is survived by his wife, and sons Ryan and Chris (Carmelle) Ludwig. Russ was born to be a lifelong servant, even in death, he chose to donate his body to science in hopes of helping others. He proudly served his country in both the active United States Air Force and the the Toledo 180th Fighter Squadron, retiring after 28 years of full time service. He served in Thailand during the Tet Offensive during the Vietnam War.
Russ was a member of the Hardin-Northern School Board, a Hardin County Commissioner, Board of Elections Member, State Agricultural Board as well as many community executive boards.
He was a member of Blanchard River Church of Christ, where he was a Trustee, Deacon and Sunday School Superintendent.
Russ was a member of the Dunkirk Masonic Lodge 549, Kenton Scottish Rite and the Grand Lodge of Ohio.
Russ enjoyed a life-long passion for farming and continued to reside on his family’s Century Farm. Russ lived his life fully and enjoyed every minute.
Visitation will be held from 10:00am-12:00pm Saturday, January 7, 2023 at the Blanchard River Church of Christ where a Memorial Service will begin at 12:00pm with full military rites being presented at the conclusion of the service.
Donations may be made in Russ’s honor and memory to Bridge Hospice, 15100 Birchaven Lane, Findlay, OH 45840 or to Blanchard River Church of Christ, 15745 SR 81, Dunkirk, OH 45836.
